Creating a new drug to help heal spinal cord injuries
Developing a kinase inhibitor drug to treat spinal cord injury
This study is working on a new drug that helps repair damaged nerves in the spinal cord, which could help people with paralysis recover better and regain movement.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Miami School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Coral Gables, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11017779 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a drug that promotes the regeneration of axons in the spinal cord, which is crucial for recovery after spinal cord injuries. The approach involves a novel small molecule that targets both intrinsic and extrinsic factors that inhibit axon growth. By using advanced screening techniques, the researchers aim to create a treatment that could restore neuronal connectivity and improve function for individuals affected by paralysis. This research addresses a significant unmet medical need, as current treatments are limited and there are no approved drugs for this purpose.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who have experienced spinal cord injuries resulting in paralysis.
Not a fit: Patients with spinal cord injuries who are under 21 years old or those with injuries that are not amenable to axon regeneration may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a groundbreaking treatment that significantly improves recovery and quality of life for individuals with spinal cord injuries.
How similar studies have performed: While there has been extensive research into spinal cord injury treatments, this approach of targeting both intrinsic and extrinsic growth inhibitors is novel and has not been previously tested.
Where this research is happening
Coral Gables, United States
- University of Miami School of Medicine — Coral Gables, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Al-Ali, Hassan — University of Miami School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Al-Ali, Hassan
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.